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DAVE A

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Posts posted by DAVE A

  1. Although a small amount compared to other makes, 1948 was Crosley's biggest year with over 31,000 cars produced.  (Compared to 5,000 in 46 and 22,000 in 47). Agreed they were not "exciting" cars, but they are a lot of fun, and the 48s make up a pretty good percentage of our national show field every year.   And speaking of Hemmings Classic car, there is a 48 Crosley convertible on it this year!

    • Like 1
  2. Steve answered your questions so I'll just put in my 2 cents.  Your car looks nice in pictures.  I would get a copy of the judging manual and fix those easy things.  Hose clamps, valve caps, stress marks on bolts and things like that cost more points than you can imagine.  Like the man said, spend the time detailing on show day, it pays off.  In my opinion,  I would try to go through judging first and try to fix any shortcomings.  If you decide that it is too expensive or time consuming you can change it up and go for DPC.   Both are very rewarding and fun ways to go.

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  3. Barry Seel, Chuck Koehler and I went to Fritz's going out of business auction.  They bought the 2 Crosley wagons he had for 50 bucks each if I remember right.  There was also a sedan there that Fritz would not sell in he auction because he thought it was worth more money.   I wonder what happened to it?

  4. Bug Girl;

         Thanks for bringing back the memory of one of my favorite cars of my past. I had a 1976 Plymouth Volare wagon that had the vinyl "wood" on the sides.   It had a six cylinder with a 4 speed on the floor.  It was a great combination of family car, good mileage, and just enough sportiness to keep a young man with a growing family interested.  Unfortunately my wife wrapped it around a telephone pole!!!

  5. Here is my bottom line on Crosleys.  They are fun and interesting American made little cars.  They are great to show and drive, undoubtedly one of the lowest cost vehicles for entry into the old car hobby.  They do well on almost any show field.  They Must be maintained especially if not properly maintained by previous owners. Things like brakes on the pre hydraulic cars have to be kept tight.   The engines are practically bullet proof.  Because they are so simple, they are easy to work on.  Parts are readily available for mechanicals, and service manuals and expertise are easy to get.  Of course I am biased, but I would recommend hem highly to any car person. 

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  6. 8 hours ago, Rusty_OToole said:

    Tom McCahill tested the Hot Shot and was impressed. He found the performance comparable to an MG even though the Crosley only had a 750cc engine to the English car's 1250cc. He called the Crosley a tin tub on wheels with a fine engine while the MG was quality from its radiator cap to tail lights.

     

    He said he would love to see a race between 6 Hot Shots and 6 MGs on a sports car road course.

     

    Super Sport models  had 10:1 compression, very high for the time. They had a Thompson Vitameter which injected a mixture of water, alcohol and tetraethyl lead into the intake manifold to prevent engine knock. If you see a big glass jar under the hood that is the Vitameter.

    Finding an engine with high compression and a Vitameter is very rare as they were a seldom added option.  Mr. Cahill was totally anti Crosley until he was Powels guest at his estate, then suddenly he was pro  Crosley!!!  I guess some things don't change!!!  

           I got my introduction to Crosleys while working on an MG Midget one afternoon. I lamented that it was a shame no American company ever built a car that fit my definition of a sports car .   My friend working with me told me about the Crosleys Hotshot.  "Won the first race at Sebring".  He said.  It imprinted on my memory and years later I bought one as a restoration project.  I love the little cars and they are so much fun to drive.  If you are shy, don't buy one because they ALWAYS draw a crowd no matter where you go or show.

     

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  7. Thanks for remembering me Peter.   I try to get on this page every day....just don't comment as often as I used to.   George, I don't know if I qualify as a guru, but I have owned Crosleys for over 20 years now and own a dozen or so right now, including 4 Senior cars that have been pretty widely shown.  I have restored a Hotshot and a Supersports and am working on a Super Hotshot right now.  I'll happily answer any questions you have either here or if you want to call me at 484 769 7856.   

  8. I recently got an item in some yardsale stuff.  It is a 1941 registration card for the state of Georgia.  It is for a 1928 Tudor engine number A1091376.  Car registered to WW Rivers of Albany,and Ga.  .I'd love to give it a proper home for someone who is interested in it.  Send me a note...Free of charge!!!

    • Like 1
  9. A couple years ago I did a seminar in Philadelphia to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ontelaunee Region.  To research that seminar I read every issue of the region's newsletter the "Tin N Brass".  What I found most interesting in that review was that 50 years ago, the leaders of the region were lamenting the fact that cars were not what they used to be, the young people weren't interested in old cars , etc., ...in short, exactly what we are saying today.   This repeated itself every 10 -15 years.   

           I honestly don't think he hobby is dying.  What is dying, and IS hurting the hobby is the willingness to reach out to others and draw them into our circle.  We all talk about reaching out to kids and get them involved, but there is a big group out there that we seem to ignore.  That is other old car owners that aren't part of any car group or organization.   We need to speak to them and tell them about the fun we are having.   Next time you see a guy with an old car, swallow your fears and walk up to him.  Ask about his car and let him (or her...sorry ladies) talk.  Then ask him if he is part of any organization.  Invite him to join you at your local club meeting. If we all do this the hobby will grow exponentially.  

    • Like 6
  10. On 12/28/2017 at 11:22 AM, capngrog said:

     

    Nick,

     

    Where is HOA?

     

    Cheers,

    Grog

     

    P.S.  Not a flake (of snow:D) has been seen here in Paisley this month.

    Hey Grog you may have spoken too soon.  I heard a report of a few flakes in Titusville today and a freeze for you by Thursday.  A low of 39 in Palm Bay also!!!.

  11. I admit it will be tough giving all that up.  Most of all I will miss laying on the concrete floor of my garage in 10 degrees working on my latest restoration.  Doing it all in short sleeves is going to be a challenge too.  Especially in February.

     

  12. Ed, if that is an invite, I'd love to drive down and look at your cars.  I think that Pierce Arrows are among the most beautiful ever made.  

    Won't have my first project in Florida until after the National meeting in Feb.  I promised my wife to spend our first couple months working on the house!!

  13. Grog ;

           I have to look you up and we can compare Crosley notes .  I keep telling everyone here how nice it is, but they keep hitting me with the "change of seasons" stuff.  Yes well, after this week's snow, I can't wait!!!

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